The Excitement Builds

It's hard to believe it, but in a short 4 days from now we'll be crusing at 30,000 feet on our way to Orlando. This will be the first "real" family vacation we have gone on in 14 years. Granted, we've done weeks down in Ocean City and up at my in-laws place in the lakes region of New Hampshire, but nothing that comes close to a destination vacation like Disney. My kids are old enough now (13, 11, and 8 ) where I have a funny feeling mom and I will be the limiting factors on how much we see any given day, but we'll try to keep pace.

Having taken advantage of the current "buy 4, get 3 free" deal, we'll be there for the full 7 days, and hoping to make the most of it. The current plan is two days in both EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom, and then a day-and-a-half in Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Of course, that's all subject to change, but at least it's a plan. The kids bought their journals for the trip yesterday, with hopes that it will be both a way for them to capture the trip as well as something to do each night to help wind down. I just started - finally - the last Harry Potter, so that'll be my poolside or nighttime read. At some point today I'll be starting the "To Pack" list while procrastinating at work, and hope we can get away without forgetting much. Yeah, I said much, 'cause it's inevitable that something is left behind. But oh well...a resort like Disney will have anything you could possibly need I'm sure.

If anyone has some gems of wisdom, either Do's or Don'ts, please drop them into the comments. Last time either my wife or I have been there was...well, we're talking decades ago, so this might as well be the first time. We've gotten lots of good advice so far, but I'm of the mindset that you can never have too much information. A big thanks in advance for anyone with insight.